"Wuchen, if we charge out together, what are our chances of winning?" Xue Xingyue asked.
Wuchen pondered her question. "We'd likely be captured before even leaving the palace. The entire palace is heavily guarded, and the imperial guards' skills are formidable; they can fight me to a draw."
It seemed an escape was impossible. If that was the case, a different method was needed. But what method?
"Your Highness, I've recently heard that some ministers wish for Emperor Qi to select concubines and establish a harem soon," Wuchen reported.
Xue Xingyue's eyes lit up. Wasn't this the opportunity she was waiting for?
"It would be great if this could be realized," Xue Xingyue murmured.
Qi Yuanyuan never expected that at just thirteen years old, someone would propose he take concubines. He still felt like a child, able to sweetly call out "Sister" to his sister. Yet, these ministers were urging him to select concubines and take a wife.
He listened vaguely to the Minister of Rites, Feng Yi, unsure how to respond.
Select concubines and take a wife? Did he want that? He asked himself. He didn't know. Perhaps his previous life as a fugitive had subjected him to so much hardship that he only craved a stable life where he could eat his fill. Now that he was Emperor, the ruler of a nation, he still held those same desires. Yet, now he was to be united with someone he didn't know well, spending every day together. If that was the case, he would rather choose someone he liked.
Someone he liked? He was suddenly startled by the thought. Slowly, a figure emerged in his mind, a slender, delicate shadow becoming clearer and clearer.
"Your Majesty," Qi Yuanyuan suddenly spoke, interrupting Qi Yuanyuan's contemplation.
He snapped back to attention, looking at Feng Yi, the Minister of Rites, kneeling on the ground, along with other ministers whose names he hadn't even registered. He slowly said, "All rise. I understand. This matter will be handled by Minister of Rites, beloved minister Feng!"
Upon hearing this, the ministers' faces immediately lit up with joy. After all, the new Emperor was a young prince, and he had the Regent King's assistance. Their worries were not about the new Emperor, but about the Regent King, who had once been renowned for his military achievements. Who knew what this Regent King truly intended? Would he merely wish to assist a puppet emperor? If so, they felt it was their duty to select a capable consort for the new Emperor.
Qi Yuanyuan was unaware of the ministers' thoughts. He was thinking that if the selection of concubines began, perhaps he could get closer to that one thought.
After the morning court, Qi Yuanyuan went to the Imperial Study. Qi Yuanyuan also followed him in. Only then did Qi Yuanyuan realize that he hadn't asked his brother's opinion during the morning court.
"Brother, was what I agreed to this morning too hasty?" Qi Yuanyuan looked up at Qi Yuanyuan.
"Your Majesty, you did nothing wrong. The country is stable now, and it is the perfect time for you to select concubines and take a wife," Qi Yuanyuan said.
"However, I didn't ask for your opinion."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yuanyuan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, you are thirteen years old now and can handle court affairs yourself. I only wish to be of service during critical times."
He did not wish to interfere too much. Qi Yuanyuan had his own path to tread, and he would simply guard him from the side.
"Brother, may I go see Sister?" Qi Yuanyuan asked.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yuanyuan replied, "Of course, you are the Emperor."
Qi Yuanyuan was delighted and summoned his attendants, giving them instructions.
Seeing this, Qi Yuanyuan turned to leave. Qi Yuanyuan couldn't help but ask, "Brother, where are you going?"
"I recall I have some matters to attend to, so I won't accompany His Majesty," Qi Yuanyuan said and left.
"Your Majesty, the Regent King is truly rude. He comes and goes in the palace as he pleases..." But before the young eunuch could finish speaking, he was reprimanded by Qi Yuanyuan.
"Which palace are you from? The Regent King is my brother. Everything he does is for my own good." Qi Yuanyuan said angrily.
The young eunuch, terrified, quickly knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. This servant knows their mistake!"
Qi Yuanyuan waved his hand impatiently. "Begone! Don't let me see you again, or I won't be so lenient next time."
The young eunuch quickly retreated.
Qi Yuanyuan sat in his chair, very angry. He saw everything his brother did. His brother always acted for his own good, and he would never be suspicious of him. Back then, Uncle Xuan was suspected by Father Emperor, which led to that tragic massacre. He would never repeat the same mistake. The young eunuch left the Imperial Study and went to a secluded corner. With a flash, he entered a rockery and said to a shadowy figure, "Master, your servant has spoken to His Majesty as you instructed."
The shadowy figure nodded. "In a moment, you must guide Empress Xue Xingyue directly to the Regent King."
The young eunuch nodded. "Your servant understands." Xue Xingyue felt a glimmer of hope when Qi Yuanyuan summoned her. If she could speak to Qi Yuanyuan alone, she was confident she could persuade him.
Qi Yuanyuan was his brother, after all, and wouldn't go too far.
After she made her decision, she felt a subtle unease. She always felt it was wrong to use Qi Yuanyuan in this way, but she had no other options. This was the only way.
As she regained her senses, she realized the young palace maid who had guided her earlier had disappeared.
Now, a young eunuch was leading the way. She couldn't help but stop, looking at the unfamiliar young eunuch ahead.
"Who are you? It wasn't you just now." Xue Xingyue stepped forward, intending to grab the young eunuch.
However, she hadn't expected the seemingly frail young eunuch to possess such agility. With a swift movement, he vanished without a trace. The unease in her heart grew. She had been too careless. Suddenly, a rustling sound came from ahead. Although faint, she heard it clearly.